Cameras Keep a Close Watch on the Police

Departments in Albuquerque and Elsewhere Use Videos Taken From Cops' Lapels to Deter Them From Using Excessive Force

By

Nathan Koppel

Updated Feb. 12, 2013 10:47 p.m. ET

Police in Albuquerque, N.M., routinely carry pistols and bullet-proof vests to defend themselves. But now they are adding a piece of equipment that could help defend their reputation: video cameras on their lapels.

From 2010 to 2012, Albuquerque police shot at 27 suspects, killing 17 of them, a shooting rate that has touched off widespread criticism in the city of 550,000. In November, the U.S. Department of Justice announced a civil investigation into the department's use of deadly force, with Assistant Attorney General...